Joe Flacco's 14-yard run up the middle kept the 13-play, 60-yard drive alive that led to Billy Cundiff's 24-yard field goal and a 10-3 Ravens lead with 7:13 left in the third quarter.

And Flacco culminated that burst -- if that word can ever be used in connection with the Ravens' less-than-fleet QB -- with a pretty, feet-first slide that would be the envy of one of the Orioles.

The Steelers look bruised and battered. But the Ravens offensive line is giving Flacco time to throw. And that's made all the difference on the scoreboard so far.